Recount in the Book how Mary withdrew from her people to an eastern place 16 And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. 17 She said, “I seek the refuge of the Most Gracious from you – if you fear God.” 18 "I am only the messenger of your Lord," he replied. "I shall bestow upon you the gift of a son endowed with purity." 19 She said, 'How shall I have a son whom no mortal has touched, neither have I been unchaste?' 20 He said, "Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.' " 21 ۞ So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem). 22 When she started to experience (the pain of) of childbirth labor, by the trunk of a palm tree in sadness she said, "Would that I had died long before and passed into oblivion." 23 Then one cried unto her from underneath her, that grieve not, thy Lord hath placed underneath thou a rivulet. 24 Shake the trunk of the date-palm tree, and it will drop ripe dates for you. 25 Eat therefore, and drink, and be comforted; and if thou shouldst see any mortal, say, "I have vowed to the All-merciful a fast, and today I will not speak to any man. 26 And in time she returned to her people, carrying the child with her. They said: "O Mary! Thou hast indeed done an amazing thing! 27 Aaron's sister, your father was not a bad man nor was your mother unchaste". 28 Then she pointed to him. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?" 29 [Jesus] said, "Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. 30 And He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and He has enjoined on me prayer and poor-rate so long as I live; 31 And duteous unto my mother, and hath not made me high-handed, unblest. 32 I was born with peace and I shall die and be brought to life again with peace." 33 Such was the true story of Jesus, the son of Mary, about which they dispute bitterly. 34 God is too Exalted to have a son. When He decides to bring some thing into existence He needs only command it to exist and it comes into existence. 35 And lo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So serve Him. That is the right path. 36 But the sects differ among themselves: and woe to the unbelievers because of the (coming) Judgment of a Momentous Day! 37 How plainly will they see and hear, the Day that they will appear before Us! but the unjust today are in error manifest! 38 But warn them of the Day of Distress, when the matter will be determined: for (behold,) they are negligent and they do not believe! 39 For We shall inherit the earth and all that are on it. To Us, they shall return. 40